A severe outbreak of E. coli that swept across the United Kingdom in the summer of 2023, resulting in one death and dozens of severe illnesses, has now been traced back to a probable source – minced beef products.
The outbreak, according to a recent article in The Sun, which was initially detected by the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) surveillance systems in June 2023, was caused by a rare strain of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, or STEC. This strain is known for causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.
While the precise source of contamination remains elusive, the investigation has narrowed down the likely culprit to minced beef products. Ten of the patients filled out questionnaires to provide a detailed account of their food history for the two weeks leading up to the onset of sickness. All 10 reported eating either beef burgers, beef mince prepared at home, or other beef mince products.
FoodWorld 